Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has shared some major career news just weeks before the new series of the hit BBC dancing show kickstarts. A fresh batch of celebrities are getting glitzed and glammed ready for the ballroom as rehearsals for the 23rd season of the show are well underway.
The Welsh dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has been open about her battle. Amy underwent chemotherapy which meant she was unable to compete with a celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. She made a return to the show in 2024 when she was partnered with JLS star JB Gill.
But she was forced to pull out of the show halfway through due to an injury. She was replaced by professional dancer Lauren Oakley and they made it to the final, losing out on the glitterball to Scouse comedian Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell.
Amy has been open about her struggles throughout her whole cancer journey. She released a documentary last year called Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me (2024).
It followed in the heartwarming footsteps of her previous documentary titled Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me (2020) which saw Amy open up on her battle with Crohn’s disease.
In a recent post on Instagram, Amy announced the exciting news that she had woken up to this morning. She wrote: “Woke up to the news I’ve been nominated for a BAFTA.”
Amy has been nominated for two awards at the Welsh edition of the awards ceremony for her documentary programmes. She told fans she had been put forward in “two categories- presenter and documentary”.
Amy has also been shortlisted for an award at this year’s National Television Awards, following the release of her documentary about her breast cancer journey.
The 35-year-old dancer explained how “grateful” she is to have received recognition for her work. In an Instagram story, she shared a smiling selfie with the caption: “The biggest most grateful smile right now! An official NTAs nomination for a week today and two @baftacymru nominations.
“And I’m off to dance with my @bbcstrictly family for the day! Oh what I would go back and tell that Amy struggling so much physically, mentally and with so much uncertainty two years ago!
“I promise forever to grab life and be grateful for every day, every opportunity and so blessed to be surrounded by the best husband, family and friends! But will always continue to raise awareness and funds for cancer and IBD.”
Amy is creating several of her own achievements away from the ballroom, including the release of her own book, Dancing in the Rain: My Story. It is described by the dancer as her “story of hope, courage and resilience”, sharing her personal story and her battle with cancer.
She was confirmed to be taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing back in April. After the BBC confirmed the professional line-up for Strictly 2025, she shared on social media: “So grateful to be back on the best show on TV for my 9th year with my Strictly family @bbcstrictly.
“This show means everything to me, through the highs and my all time lows, it truly got me through my toughest of times. The show is pure magic and good for the soul. I’m feeling stronger than ever.
“The countdown begins to be back in the rehearsal room with my Strictly family. Who else is counting down the days? Keep dancing! Welsh love.”